Blackberry watched carefully as Blueberry leaned down to let the magic seep into the stone, but a moment later, the gem cracked and the tiny glow that had been deep within its core was gone. The gem was devoid of any possibilities now.

She frowned, disappointed, and leaned down to scoop it up. "Well, it was worth a shot." She picked up the piece of the bird's talon, still with a broken gem on its toe, and retied it to her necklace. Finally, she turned up to Blueberry and, after a moment's pause, reached up and nuzzled the underside of his chin. "Don't feel bad. We have plenty of children already that deserve our love. Our family will stay strong and grow stronger."

Blackberry was a little surprised by Blueberry's words. Did it really need saying anymore? They had been together for cycles. They had been mated for a long time. They had loved each other since they were children. But she could not blame him for being so sappy sometimes. It was hard for Blackberry, sometimes, to comprehend herself having this relationship, despite having it for so long.

So she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "I love you too, Blueberry. And I love our family. I would be nothing without you."

Blackberry smiled at Blueberry as he drifted off to sleep. He had probably been travelling for a while. No wonder he was exhausted. She stepped away to gather the rats she had been eating before his arrival and pulled them close. She sat herself against Blueberry's side, her feathers pressed against his shoulder and continued eating, enjoying the warmth of her meal and the warmth of her mate beside her.

"I won't forget it," she murmured back.

*exit